COVID-19 test results in 10 seconds, claims Turkish scientists

Scientists at a college research institute in Turkey claim they have developed an ultra-rapid COVID-19 test with 99% accuracy that can give results within 10 seconds - all without wanting to take a nasal swab.

The Diagnovir, produced by researchers at Bilkent University, is a diagnostic kit said to use nanotechnology to detect COVID-19 in a patient.

"It detects the existence of pathogens with high accuracy by introducing a fluorescent signal," said Ali Aytac Seyman, a researcher at the National Nanotechnology Research Centre (UNAM).

He then looked out that, unlike the widely-used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which identifies particular genetic material in a sample before amplifying it, the Diagnovir "focuses on the presence or non-existence of the virus using first optical methods."

The researchers plan to get permission from Turkish authorities to begin mass-producing the kits within the next two months. They hope these will ultimately replace PCR tests.

"Finding out quickly that a person is [COVID-19] positive to then quarantine the patient is very vital to bring the pandemic under control," Bilkent University Rector Abdullah Atalar told Anadolu Agency. He then also suggested that similar technology could also be used to detect other coronaviruses.

Currently, physcians across the world believe PCR testing to be the most accurate method for coronavirus testing and some does not trust any rapid testing kits.

However, in certain parts of the world rapid testing kits are being widely used considering the speed.

All countries require a valid negative PCR test done before allowing international passengers inside its borders and rapid testing is done on arrival only to ensure the results.